Day 7 Thursday Sept. 26, 2013

Folks, I deeply apologize for the lag in getting our fabulous trip posted!  There was just so much to sort and organize...but Larry and I have pretty much got it all sorted now, and here is the next day...September 26 2013.

Lugano-Lake Lucerne
We didn't sleep well at this hotel.  It was quite warm despite open windows and a fan.  The room was not as nice an accommodation as we have come to expect.  No curtains to speak of on the windows - just very thin sheers.  With other windows round about, it left one with a lack of privacy.
We sent a text to son Larry last evening asking for cell phone numbers for Lar's brother, Dan and my sister, Carol.  It's a bit frustrating without numbers and we have the ability to call if we had them!  We also called directly and spoke with Granddaughter Julia.  First thing she asked was if we were getting "lots of pizza!"  Her reaction to the idea of our going to Paris was "Oh Wow!"  She is our little fashion-ista. 
 To complete the day yesterday, we relaxed on a cruise on the lake and then a delightful meal under the stars on the banks of the water.

One reason for our uneasy night.  A cable car runs right up through the center of the hotel - just outside our window.  And remember - NO curtains!!!

I discovered the shower to be smaller than a tiny closet and stood in there wondering how on earth Larry had done it.  

Breakfast featured a nice variety of fresh fruits, pears, apples, kiwi - as well as croissant, local honey, cereals, eggs with bacon, toast and a variety of breads.  The coffee was dispensed from an espresso machine - major operation trying to decide which button to push to receive a simple cup of coffee!  We enjoyed our repast with Sam and his wife from Toronto.
Our day's journey led through the valleys of the Canton Ticino, through the Gotthard Tunnel and into even more magnificent Alpine scenery as we descended to the shores of Lake Lucerne.  We visited this lovely Swiss city, nestled as it is amid the snow caps of the Alps and surrounded by the lake.  The clear mountain waters of the River Reuss gleam like a million diamonds.
One of the most stunning sites on this tour is the fabulous Lion Monument - a masterful stone sculpture in honor of the heroic Swiss Guard of Louis XVI.  Larry and I had seen a documentary about this grand sculpture sometimes called "the saddest sculpture in the world."  We were all touched by this masterpiece.
Another highlight of the area is the Flower Bridge.  We were saddened to learn that many of the hand carved reliefs within had been destroyed by fire.  Most have been replaced however.
Later in the day we enjoyed a funicular and cable car ride to the 6,227 foot summit of Mount Stanserhorn.  We had perfect timing and mostly avoided the rain.

This day was remarkably packed with activities!  Another part of the day found us opting to ascend to 6,227 feet to the summit of Mount Stanserhorn on a funicular and cable car ride.  This was absolutely one of my favorite times on the trip.

Working my way up to a front and center vantage point on the cable car!

The "stairway" in the middle of the cable car!

Every camera was snapping!!

Lar met some lovely tourists along the way!!

Rainy day on Lake Lucern.  Still beautiful!